Psychological skills differences between male and female indian gymnasts

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PsychologicalSkills DifferencesBetweenMale And Female Indian Gymnasts
Malika Sharma, Ph.D Research Scholar, Department Of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Delhi University,
India.
Dr. Lalit Sharma, Associate Professor,IGIPESS, D.U.
Meenakshi,Assistant Professor,IGIPESS, D.U
Abstract
Psychological skills play an important role in athletic performance. Practitioners and researchers
in sport psychology have developed numerous psychological interventions for enhancing
performance. When coaches and athletes turn to sport psychology to gain a competitive edge, they
learn ways to manage competitive stress, control concentration, improve confidence, increase
communication skills, promote team unity, and many other mental factors in sport. But does it work
differently with males and females was the question in the mind of researcher, so the aim of the
present study was to examine possible differences in the use of psychological skills between male
and female Indian Artistic Gymnasts. The sample consisted of 75 Indian Artistic Gymnasts (45
males and 30 females), Aged 17 to 27 years, from different universities those who participated in
Intervarsity Championship in Patiala, 2010. The Psychological Skills Assessment scale for
individual sports was adopted which assessed the psychological skills namely imagery, self-
awareness, self-confidence, attention, motivation, arousal regulation, goal setting and psychic
energy management of the gymnasts. The t-test was computed to find out the level of significance
was set at 0.05. The results showed that there was no significant difference between male and
female Indian artistic gymnasts in selected psychological skills. Female and Male displaying same
level in psychological skills. Results of this study could be considered from coaches and sport
psychologists in order to help athletes improve their athletic performance.
Introduction
Sport specialists agree that athletic performance is influenced not only by physical skills but also by
psychological ones. In order to achieve peak performance athletes need a “total package” including
physical skills, psychological skills, fitness and injury prevention. (Christos K, Polyxeni.
A,Athanassia. S, 2009).
Psychological skills are the mental abilities or skills, which can be learnt as we learn the physical
skills to get the perfection over sports movements. There exists Psychological Skill Training (PST)
that is used to enhance performance. PST refers to systematic and consistent practice of mental
skills. PST is important because psychological factors are the primary key in day-to-day
fluctuations in performance (i.e., having a good day or an off day). However, they are often
overlooked because of lack of knowledge about them, misunderstandings about how they are
learned, and a lack of time. The most useful PST topics are Arousal Regulation, Imagery and
mental preparation, increased motivation and commitment, Goal setting, Confidence, Attention and
concentration, Self-talk, Mental Plans.
With respect to the effectiveness of PST - Psychological Skills Training enhances performance.
PST intervention must be tailored to each individual, be practiced over time and use different

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techniques (i.e., combining imagery, self talk and goal setting). However, not much research has
been done to test the Psychological skills of male and females, therefore more studies must be done
to reach more conclusive ideas to find if, any significant difference exist in the use of Psychological
Skills by male and female athletes.
Evidence predicts that people perform differently even when carrying same physical skills. There
can be certain reasons such as physical, physiological, mental, social differences. In the present
study researcher has focussed on the Psychological skills (mental aspects) only. To answer the
question, does women and men different in their choices and behaviour? The popular opinion
focuses on the environmental cues that lead to our distinct behaviours. But is there also an innate
biological basis to the choices and differing abilities between men and women? The characteristic
patteokkmrns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours make each person unique. Cognitive
functioning or brain processing differences in the two genders has been a point of interest and
contention for many years. (Arunjot Singh, 2003).
It is not self-evident that the relation between psychological skills and performance level is similar
for different types of sports or for males and females. Various studies have indicated, for example,
that differences exist in psychological skills between individual and team sports (Feltz and Ewing,
1987; Mahoney et al., 1987; Cox and Liu, 1993) and between the genders (White, 1993; Chantal et
al., 1996; Sewell and Edmondson, 1996; MacIntyre et al., 1998).
The gender differences emerged during the course of human evolution because men and women
often faced different selection pressures. Men have come to acquire systemizing and mechanistic
skills because such skills were necessary for inventing and making tools and weapons. At the same
time, low empathizing ability and aggression necessary for male competition. Similarly, women
have come to acquire empathizing and mentalistic skills because they facilitate various aspects of
mothering, such as anticipating and understanding the needs of infants who cannot yet talk, or
making friends and allies in new environments etc.( Satoshi Kanazawa, 2008) (Baron-Cohen,
Simon, 1999)
The studies on gender differences in memory are mixed and inconsistent, with some studies
showing no difference, and others showing a female or male advantage. And studies investigating
the spatial abilities of men and women have found no significant differences, though metastudies
show a male advantage in mental rotation and assessing horizontality and verticality, and a female
advantage in spatial memory (Ellis, 2008).
Where as, research on gender and psychology investigates cognitive and behavioural differences
between men and women. This research employs experimental tests of cognition, which take a
variety of forms. Tests focus on possible differences in areas such as IQ, spatial reasoning, and
emotion. Most tests score shows differences between females and males. Areas include verbal and
mathematical ability. Because social and environmental factors affect brain activity and behaviour,
Studies on this topic explore the possibility of social influences on how both genders perform in
cognitive and behavioural tests. (Urbina, Susana, 1996).
The study on the gender differences concerning state anxiety levels and Self-Confidence reflects
that self-confidence tends to decrease in females on the day a competitive event is to occur. Male
young athletes typically display lower levels of anxiety and higher self-confidence than female
athletes (Scanlan & Passer, 1979; Wark & Witting, 1979). Where as, Krane and Williams (1994)
found no gender differences for cognitive anxiety.

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A study was done to examine possible differences in the use of psychological skills of Greek track
and field athletes of different gender and level. The results showed that elite level athletes were
significantly better compared to non elite in emotional control, goal setting, imagery, activation,
negative thinking and relaxation. Also, male athletes had better emotional control and used more
relaxation, compared to females. Among elite level athletes, gender differences in psychological
skills remained, with females displaying less effective emotional control and relaxation. (Christos
K, 2009)
Studies of psychological gender differences are controversial and subject to error. Many small-scale
studies report differences that are not repeated in larger studies. So, keeping in mind the
controversies in this field the researcher has tried to find out the difference in the use of
psychological skills by the male and female Indian gymnasts, so that the coaches and the gymnasts
themselves can be benefited to understand the level of psychological skills as sports psychology’s
core attention is to achieve the higher performance, so it may help the planners and the coaches to
understand the individual gymnast’s behaviour patterns, strength, weaknesses and the trigger point.
This will help the coaches and the planners to schedule the training plan and load according to the
level of gymnast’s mental and physical abilities, to achieve the better results.
Therefore, the study of Indian Gymnasts psychological aspect in relation to the gender may be
helpful to understand their mental side and prepare the mental training program to train them to
overcome fears and blocks and perform to their potential under pressure. Keeping in view the above
mentioned aspects it is necessary to assess the psychological skills level of the Indian gymnasts, to
make it possible to understand their psychological skills level and prepare an effective PST program
to enhance their performance.
Procedure & Methodology
A total of seventy five artistic male and female gymnasts were selected as the subjects by
convenient sampling and those who were volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects were
selected from Allahabad University, Calcutta university, Lakshmibai National University of
Physical Education, Gwalior, Punjab University, Bareli University, Pune University, Guru Nanak
Dev University, MDU and Delhi university. The age range of the subjects was between 17 to 27
years and the average age was 22 years. Those who participated in the Intervarsity championship
held at Patiala, 2010. In order to assess the psychological skills of the Indian gymnasts, The
Psychological Skills Assessment scale for individual sports developed and authenticated by Sharma
and Tiwari was adopted to assess the psychological skills of the gymnasts. The corabach alpha in
the psychological skills assessment was .94. The scale measures following eight psychological
skills namely, Imagery, Self-awareness, Self-confidence, Attention, Motivation, Arousal
Regulation, Psychic Energy Management and Goal setting.
The research scholar made personal visit to the gymnastics Intervarsity championship held in Patiala,
2010, and distributed the questionnaire to the respondents. The purpose of the study was clearly
explained to the respondent before administering the questionnaire. The respondents were requested to
read the instructions carefully before giving the final response to the questions.
Results & Discussion

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For the purpose of the present study Descriptive statistics and Comparative statistics were employed
step wise.
Table - 1
Descriptive Statistics on the Selected Variables of Psychological Skills
DEPENDENT
VARIABLES GENDER
MALE
M ± SD
FEMALE
M ± SD
Imagery 29.13 ± 2.91 26.17 ± 2.60
Self-Awareness 26.13 ± 3.42 24.90 ± 3.17
Self-Confidence 18.98 ± 3.16 18.47 ± 2.40
Attention 12.15 ± 1.74 11.50 ± 2.01
Motivation 12.18 ± 1.57 11.73 ± 2.07
Arousal-Regulation 9.24 ± 1.99 8.83 ± 1.80
Gaol-Setting 19.80 ± 2.86 19.17 ± 2.63
Psychic Energy Management 15.58 ± 2.93 15.57 ± 2.53
Total 142.98 ± 14.13 136.17 ± 13.14
Note: Male Gymnasts = 45, Female Gymnasts = 30 and total gymnasts in the study i.e 45 + 30 = 75.
Table – 1 indicates that Means values (± SD) and comparisons between the gender groups of Indian
artistic Gymnasts for the psychological skills levels, under dependent variable Imagery, male and
female’s M ± SD is 29.13 ± 2.91 and 26.17 ± 2.60 respectively. Under dependent variable Self-
Awareness, male and female’s M ± SD is 26.13 ± 3.42 and 24.90 ± 3.17 respectively. In Self-
confidence, male and female’s M ± SD is 18.98 ± 3.16 and 18.47 ± 2.40 respectively. Attention has
male and female’s M ± SD is 12.15 ± 1.74 and 11.50 ± 2.01 respectively. Motivation has male and
female’s M ± SD is 12.18 ± 1.57 and 11.73 ± 2.07 respectively. Arousal Regulation has male and
female’s M ± SD is 9.24 ± 1.99 and 8.83 ± 1.80 respectively. Goal setting has male and female’s M
± SD is 19.80 ± 2.86 and 19.17 ± 2.63 respectively. Psychic energy management has male and
female’s M ± SD is 15.58 ± 2.93 and 15.57 ± 2.53 respectively. And under total variables male and
female’s M ± SD is 142.98 ± 14.13 and 136.17 ± 13.14 respectively.
Table – 2

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Significance of Mean Difference between Male and Female Gymnasts On Selected Psychological
Variables.
Dependent Variables Male
Mean
Female
Mean
M D df t- value
Imagery 29.13 26.17 2.96 66.93 4.61
Self-Awareness 26.13 24.90 1.23 65.55 1.60
Self-Confidence 18.98 18.47 0.51 71.64 0.79
Attention 12.15 11.50 0.65 56.05 1.46
Motivation 12.18 11.73 0.44 50.69 1.00
Arousal Regulation 9.24 8.83 0.41 66.40 0.92
Goal Setting 19.80 19.17 0.63 65.80 0.98
Psychic Energy
Management
15.58 15.57 0.01 68.13 0.02
Total 142.98 136.17 6.81 65.35 2.13
Note : SD - Standard Deviation, M – Mean, MD – Mean Difference
- *Significant at 0.05 level
Table -2 indicates that Means values and comparisons between the gender groups of Indian artistic
Gymnasts for the psychological skills levels, under dependent variable Imagery, male and female’s
MD 2.96 and t –value 4.61. Under dependent variable Self- Awareness MD 1.23 and t –value 1.60.
In Self- confidence MD 0.51 and t –value 0.79. Attention has MD 0.65 and t –value 1.46.
Motivation MD 0.44 and t –value 1.00. Arousal Regulation has MD 0.41, DF 66.40 and t –value
0.92. Goal setting has MD 0.63 and t –value 0.98. Psychic energy management has MD 0.01 and t –
value 0.02. And under total variables MD 6.81 and t –value 2.13. None of the variables were found
significant at the set level of 0.05.
Discussion
Eight psychological skills were analyzed namely: Imagery, Self-awareness, Self-confidence,
Attention, Motivation, mental arousal, psychic energy management and goal setting. The data was
collected and analyzed by employing the t- test to obtain the significant differences in the use of
psychological skills between male and female of Indian Artistic Gymnasts. The analysis of data
reveals that there is no difference among the Male and female Gymnasts in imagery, self-awareness,
self-confidence, attention, motivation, arousal regulation, goal setting and psychic energy
management.
Research findings from previous studies, with regard to gender differences in psychological skills
are conflicting. The data analysis in the present study Showed that male and female gymnasts have

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no significant difference in motivation, Harwood, (2004) in his study also supported that there is no
significant difference. The findings of the present study are also in consonance with findings of the
Scanlan & Passer, Wark & Witting, (1979) with regard to the self-confidence and arousal
regulation. In addition, male and females gymnasts in the present study displayed same level of
arousal regulation and have similar function of imagery which is not consistent with results of
Shahrian, Navabi nejad et al, (1997) Hall et al (1380) but consistent with results Hall et al (1985)
and to Thomas et al, 1999. And in Attention, Goal-setting and Psychic energy management was
almost same in the case of male as well as female.
Ickes, W, (1997), have also found no differences in empathy between men and women, and suggest
that perceived gender differences are the result of motivational differences. (Klein K. Hodges S,
2001).
Hyde (2005), has reviewed evidence from studies on: Cognitive variables, Communication, Social
and personality variable, Psychological well-being, Motor behaviours & Miscellaneous. Fully 78%
of the differences between men and women are small or close to zero. The main areas of differences
between men and women are Aggression and Motor performance. So, the differences between men
and women are probably very small or non-existent.
Conclusion
As a conclusion to this study, it is found that there is no difference in the use of Psychological Skills
by the male and female Indian Artistic Gymnasts regardless of performance level.
 No gender differences were found in psychological variables namely Imagery, Self-
awareness.
 Self-confidence and Attention skills were found at the same level in male and females.
 Male and females showed the same level of Motivation, mental arousal and Goal-Setting.
ResearchImplications
The findings of the present study, hopefully, could help track and field coaches and sport
psychologists to design more effective training plans, incorporating psychological skills that need to
be enhanced. The training of the specific performance strategies, along with physical and technical
components, could help the Indian Gymnasts of different level and gender to improve their
performance.

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